While not exactly pertinent to the music world, "RuPaul's DragCon LA 2023" seems like the perfect opportunity to piss off homophobic bigots who continue to litter the country with their antiquated beliefs.
Presented by
RuPaul and
World of Wonder Productions, "RuPaul’s DragCon LA" will take place at the
Los Angeles Convention Center 5/12-13. The largest celebration of drag culture in the world, the event will include signings and meet & greets with a troupe of queens, performances, exclusive programming, "wig-snatching" merch, immersive activations related to
RuPaul’s Drag Race and more.
Word of this happening unfolds mere weeks after Tennessee passed a bill that prohibits "sexually suggestive drag shows from being performed on public property, or on any non-age-restricted private property where a minor could be present," as explained to
NPR by the bill's drafter, Tennessee Senate Majority Leader
Jack Johnson (who can't sashay away fast enough). The new legislation has LGBTQ+ activists springing into action, including
The Music Business Association (
Music Biz). Last week, the organization condemned the bill in a statement, which read in part, "These bigoted actions are especially concerning as we believe the intentional use of vague, inflammatory language will act as a gateway to encouraging acts of violence against the LGBTQ+ community."
Meanwhile,
Live Nation has partnered with the
Tennessee Equality Project,
inclusion tennessee,
OUTMemphis and the
Tennessee Pride Chamber for "Love Rising," a benefit concert on 3/20 at Nashville’s
Bridgestone Arena. Performers include
Sheryl Crow,
Maren Morris,
Jason Isbell,
Hayley Williams,
Hozier,
Allison Russell,
Alabama Shakes'
Brittany Howard and
Brothers Osborne. Net proceeds from ticket sales will go toward the aforementioned organizations.
"RuPaul's DragCon LA 2023" is yet another way to show support for the LGBTQ+ community. Tickets are available
here. Now, if you'll excuse us, there's a feather boa somewhere with our name on it.
